Otara-Papatoetoe local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says he’s pleased a proposed local body re-organisation review has been put on hold.
While the review, which also included a proposal to amalgamate some local Boards will not go ahead, he says the representation review (including moving Local Boards’ boundaries to be of similar population size) is now out for consultation.
“It is important to note, the Mayor and Councillors agreed to tag on at the end of the above consultation, questions relating to the reorganisation review.
“I am disappointed that those questions were added, as this keeps the idea of amalgamation of Local Boards a live issue.Having it tagged at the end of the representation review is likely to result in being missed by many of our people, and the Governing Body is therefore likely to get a skewed view of amalgamation of Local Boards,” Apulu says.
And while he’s happy Auckland Councillors have listened to local boards and communities by not proceeding with the amalgamations for the 2025 election, he says the proposal is not dead and could be resurrected for future elections.
During an Auckland council governing meeting held on June 27, the decision was made not to progress with the local board re-organisation, only the representation review. This followed an earlier decision on May 30 not to continue with the proposals to reduce boards here.
Aucklanders can visit akhaveyoursay.nz/represent to find out more about the proposed changes and give feedback by 4pm, Thursday 8 August.
Once consultation closes, council will review feedback and allow anyone who wishes to speak about their submission to be heard in September.
Any necessary changes will then be made before the public is notified of a final proposal in October.
